Dusk (And Taste)
Chapter 123

"Sir, it seems like I was themed Elmeera in the cake shop," said Nadhira by opening the door to Reyhan's room without knocking it first.

His steps immediately stopped when the netra with his black bead captured a scene that was never imagined in the slightest. His mouth is slightly open. She's shocked. Sure oes.

Reyhan hugged another woman. The small curvature on his lips had disappeared unceremoniously. His eyes began to blur. There was a different swish running through his body.

Reyhan quickly let go of his embrace with the woman. The woman Nadhira met accidentally at the cake shop.

"sorry. It seems I've been bothering you guys" he said in a trembling voice.

"Darling, don't misunderstand me. I can explain."

He shook. Subjugating his face and catching a plate of brownies was neatly presented on a table by the door. Again, it feels like someone is tearing his heart apart. Her chest feels tight. Like Reyhan's indoor oxygen supply is completely depleted.

"I brought you your lunch. And for the dessert maybe a plate of brownies on the table is enough. So, I'm gonna give this brownie I brought to the street kids out there. Let's not waste it." He put the cloth he had brought on the table. Adjacent to sweet brownies.

"I'm sorry" he continued and left Reyhan's room.

"Al, wait!"

Nadhira did not heed Reyhan's call at all. His heart is already in pain. In fact, when walking his legs also felt trembling.

Reyhan pulled his hand forcefully. Until his body is trapped in the close embrace of Reyhan's body.

"Listen to my explanation!" reyhan said firmly and with a sharp look.

"I asked permission to see Mother." He tried to remove Reyhan's grip on his body. Niente. Reyhan's decapitation was too tight.

Reyhan forced the small body in his arms to walk. Reentering his room. Inside still stood Elmeera with a downcast face. Shame and full of guilt.

"Sit down and listen to me explain this misunderstanding, Al."

"Sorry."

So the first word that the girl's headscarf ears caught from Elmeera's lips. He stared intently at the woman who was still standing with her face down.

Silent.

None of them opened their mouths. Saying a word.

Nadhira took a long breath. He stared at the plastic bag with the label motif of his subscription cake shop. Smiling discordantly.

"If no one wants to talk. I'm gonna go. Please enjoy your time together."

He got up from the couch. Back with a plastic bag containing Reyhan's favorite chocolate brownies. Of course with all the disappointment and the heart that hurts.

"Al, wait!"

Nadhira raised his hand into the air. Instantly managed to make Reyhan silenced.

"Solve your affairs. Like I said outside. I got permission to go to Mother's house" he said and left.

Right in the doorway. Nadhira stop. Looking back, towards the two people who incised the wound on the stone. With a forced smile the girl with the pink hijab said, "I've cooked your favorite food. Don't forget to eat. And don't forget to take your medicine."

His steps back slowly. Until it stopped again because his small body was hugged tightly from behind. He knew very well who the owner of the heavy hand was. Reyhan.

"Don't go, Al. Please," said Reyhan.

Nadhira. He did not respond to Reyhan's words at all. The puddles on her eyelids are growing.

His hand slowly removed Reyhan's hand from his body. "Let me go. Shame to see your employees with scenes like this."

"Al!"

This time the steps were so fast and wide. In fact, he almost hit an employee who was passing by. Reyhan's repeated calls were completely ignored. No matter what. He just wants to go and rest his body and brain.

Hearts. His heart needs rest too.

...***...

After the departure of Nadhira. Reyhan was silent without a word in his room. There's Elmeera there.

"I have to how?" ask Elmeera.

"Nadhira must have thought nothing of you. I'm sorry, "sorry Elmeera.

"I'm sorry I hugged you so suddenly. I'm too happy."

"Yes. I get it."

The Flashback

**The phone ringing on Reyhan's desk sounded loud. He stopped the movement of his hand on the laptop keyboard in front of him. His eyes turned to his black flat object.

"Elmeera" he whispered as his eyes caught a contact name displayed by the black object he was holding.

"Why, Meer**?"

"Where are you, Rey? I want to tell you something, "**Elmeera said from across the phone in a happy, cheerful voice.

"I'm still in the office. What do you want to tell me about**?"

"No afdhal it feels like if I tell you over the phone. So, can I go straight to the office right now?"

"Of course I can."

"All right, I'll be here soon. I happen to be in a location not far from your office."

"**All right. L waited. And be careful on the road."

Connection interrupted. Reyhan returned to the work he had left behind while waiting for the arrival of Elmeera.

Before long the sound of knocking on the door was heard. Open and featuring Elmeera walking gracefully.

"I brought you your favorite chocolate brownies" Elmeera said, putting her luggage away.

"Why bother like that?"

"For my handsome brother. I never felt bothered. After all, this is my wish."

"You could have." Reyhan laughed a little.

"What do you want to tell me?"

"I'm getting married."

"Gee... Who's the guy who's gonna take my sister?"

"Your college buddy, Rey."

Heard Elmeera's reply. Reyhan could not help but laugh.

"But I'm happy" said Elmeera, without permission, embracing Reyhan. "For whatever. I've never been this happy, Rey."

"Yes I'm also down happy, Meer."

Flashback Off

"I have to explain this misunderstanding to your wife. I'm afraid something bad happened to your relationship because of my attitude."

"No need, Meer. Let me finish it with Aleeana."

"But, Rey..."

"Already, Meer. I'll catch up with Aleeana first to Mother's house. I was afraid something would happen to him. She is pregnant now. Do I need to take you home?"

Elmeera shook her head quickly. "No need, Rey. I'll just go home by myself. You're gonna catch up with your wife."

Reyhan nodded and walked outside the room. Then, followed by Elmeera.

"Rianti, if anyone's looking for me. Just tell me I can't be bothered. And please all the meetings today we cancel."

"Good, sir."

The twenty-six-year-old man rushed towards the elevator that would take him down to the ground floor. With mixed feelings he went out of the office.

Several times I tried to contact Nadhira. However, nil. There was no response from his wife. Dozens of chats he sent no signs read by Nadhira. Of course, that makes it even more unpleasant.

Reyhan drove his fiery red car across the street to Mother's house. I wish his wife was there.